Cities and Towns in Sharkey County, Mississippi
Founded in 1876, Sharkey County is one of 82 counties in the state of Mississippi. Historically, Sharkey County was formed from Issaquena, Warren and Washington Counties. The city of Rolling Fork is the county seat. With FIPS code of 125, Sharkey County has a population of 3,663 and area of 428 square miles (1,109 km²).
List of all cities in Sharkey County, MS alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Anguilla, MS | 38721 | 662 |
Cary, MS | 39054 | 662 |
Delta City, MS | 39061 | 662 |
Fitler, MS | 39159 | 662 |
Nitta Yuma, MS | 38721 | 662 |
Onward, MS | 39159 | 662 |
Panther Burn, MS | 38765 | 662 |
Rolling Fork, MS | 39159 | 662 |
Straight Bayou, MS | 38721 | 662 |
Major Cities and Towns in Sharkey County, Mississippi
Sharkey County, located in the Mississippi Delta region, is known for its rich agricultural heritage, especially cotton and rice production, as well as its strong ties to African American history. The county has several small towns that have played important roles in the history and development of the Delta. Below are the major cities and towns in Sharkey County, Mississippi, detailing their geography, history, schools, and landmarks.
Rolling Fork
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.9 square miles
- Population: 1,800 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 39159
- Latitude: 32.9491° N
- Longitude: 90.8281° W
Location and History
Rolling Fork, located in the western part of Sharkey County, serves as the county seat. The town is named after the nearby Rolling Fork River, which meanders through the Mississippi Delta region. Established in the early 19th century, Rolling Fork quickly became a center for agricultural trade, particularly cotton. The town grew in importance during the antebellum period as cotton became a cash crop in the Mississippi Delta. During the Civil War, the region was deeply affected by both military activity and the transition to a post-slavery economy. In the 20th century, Rolling Fork became well-known for its significant African American population and its historical role in the Civil Rights Movement. In the 1950s and 1960s, Rolling Fork was one of the focal points for activism and change in the Mississippi Delta, with local leaders and citizens working for racial equality and civil rights. Today, Rolling Fork is a small, rural town with a deep historical legacy, known for its community spirit and close ties to agriculture and history.
Schools and Major Landmarks
Rolling Fork is served by the Sharkey-Issaquena School District, which includes Rolling Fork High School. The school system is central to the town’s educational life and is a key part of the local community. Among the major landmarks in Rolling Fork is the Sharkey County Courthouse, a significant structure located in the town center, reflecting the town’s role as the county seat. The town is also home to The Mississippi Delta Blues Trail, a marker that honors the region’s contribution to the birth of blues music. Rolling Fork City Park is another popular spot, offering green space for outdoor activities, and it plays host to the Rolling Fork Festival, an annual event that celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. With its strong cultural and historical significance, Rolling Fork offers a glimpse into both the history of the Delta and its ongoing community life.
Anguilla
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.9 square miles
- Population: 400 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 39026
- Latitude: 32.8254° N
- Longitude: 90.8326° W
Location and History
Anguilla is a small, rural town located in the northeastern part of Sharkey County. The town was incorporated in the early 1900s and developed primarily as a farming community, with cotton and rice being the dominant crops. The town’s name, “Anguilla,” comes from the Spanish word for “eel,” likely a reference to the winding, eel-like shape of the nearby Yazoo River. Like many Delta communities, Anguilla was a small but important agricultural hub, with farmers and merchants using the Mississippi River for trade and transportation. In the 20th century, the town’s population grew, although it has remained relatively small compared to other towns in the region. The history of Anguilla is deeply connected to the development of the surrounding agricultural industry, and the town still maintains a rural, quiet atmosphere with a strong focus on farming and local business.
Schools and Major Landmarks
Anguilla is served by the Sharkey-Issaquena School District, with Anguilla High School as the primary educational institution in the town. The town is small and does not have many large-scale commercial landmarks, but it is known for its scenic location along the Yazoo River, offering picturesque views of the Mississippi Delta landscape. Anguilla Park is the town’s primary recreational area, providing space for outdoor activities such as picnics, walking, and sports. The Anguilla Community Center serves as a hub for local events, where residents gather for social functions and community meetings. The town’s rural setting, along with its proximity to the Mississippi River, gives it a quiet, relaxed atmosphere while remaining connected to the agricultural heart of the Delta.
Other Communities in Sharkey County
In addition to Rolling Fork and Anguilla, Sharkey County contains several unincorporated communities, including Rosenwald, Kingdom Hall, and Teague, each with its own small, rural presence. These communities are centered around agriculture and small-scale commerce, with an emphasis on farming and local businesses. The region also contains many agricultural properties, including cotton, rice, and soybean fields, which contribute to the overall economy and character of the area.